Review: Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

We’ve been Disney Vacation Club members for a while, and one resort we never really cared about was Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. We’re not really into the whole camping theme and rustic decor. However, the first time we actually stayed at the Wilderness Lodge we realized what were missing out on! While we are not personally into the theme at Wilderness Lodge, it is a stunning hotel to stay at. You really feel secluded and like you are, well, in the wilderness. Except you are only a quick boat ride away from the Magic Kingdom!

Boulder Ridge Cove Pool

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort Features

We decided to stay at the Wilderness Lodge again after they redid parts of it. Wilderness Lodge is comprised of the main lodge, Boulder Ridge Villas (the DVC part), and the new Cascade Cabins. There are two pool areas, multiple dining options, a poolside spa, a fitness center (called Sturdy Branches) and the new lake side Geyser Point Bar & Grill. The food at Geyser Point Bar & Grill is delicious. Definitely try the french fries! We were a little confused at the set up at Geyser Point. There is a quick service spot and then if you want to sit down at a table in the bar area you have to use a server. It is the exact same menu as well. There are tables literally right outside the bar area (next to the poolside spa) where you can go with your quick service food. While this is not a big deal, it was confusing and we just wanted to eat a sandwich and enjoy the view.

We have not tried Artist Point yet, but it has gotten really good reviews. Whispering Canyon Cafe is a fun buffet-style restaurant. Roaring Fork is the quick service spot at Wilderness Lodge. This is where we did grab-and-go coffee and breakfast. They have specialty coffees and the usual breakfast/lunch/dinner fare here.

Perhaps our favorite part of staying at Wilderness Lodge is the fantastic walking trails. You can get a map from the front desk that gives you a 2.5 mile loop from Wilderness Lodge to Fort Wilderness. The trail to Fort Wilderness itself is about 0.75 miles. It is a beautiful walk, and you might even see some wildlife. You will also go past the Tri-Circle D Ranch where you can go trail riding, see the Cinderella ponies, and more. If you are a runner or like to take early morning walks, this is definitely a great option. At Wilderness Lodge you can also rent bikes, take a guided fishing excursion, rent boats, and more. Of course there is also a fire pit for roasting marshmallows at night.

Wilderness Lodge is considered a Magic Kingdom resort. While it is not on the monorail line, you can take the boat to Magic Kingdom or to the Contemporary Resort. There also is a recreation of “Old Faithful” that goes off every 20 minutes or so that makes for a fun photo. While Wilderness Lodge is certainly not our favorite resort, we are always blown away by how stunning it is to walk around here. Even the resort itself blends into the surrounding nature and makes you feel like you are not in Disney World, but it has all the amazing attention to detail that Disney is known for.

It is slightly disappointing that Wilderness Lodge is not on the monorail line. We love the boat rides, but if the weather is inclement you have to take the bus. It is fun to be able to hotel hop to the other Magic Kingdom resorts. While this is our not our first choice of DVC resorts, we are always happy to stay here!

Have you stayed at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge? What did you like about it? What is your favorite Disney resort? Comment below!